Nollywood actress Olayinka Solomon has publicly expressed serious concern for fellow industry professional Pauldgoodguy after he shared what appears to be a suicidal message on social media, triggering both alarm and—disturbingly—a wave of callous responses from some followers.
Solomon brought attention to the troubling situation by reposting Paul’s concerning statement on her Instagram page. The original message from the actor and video director, posted approximately 24 hours earlier, stated simply but alarmingly: “Might be ending it all once and for all.”
Clearly distressed by her colleague’s apparent cry for help, Solomon appended her own urgent plea: “Please, someone close to check on him, Biko.” Her use of “Biko,” a term meaning “please” in Igbo language, underscored the seriousness with which she viewed the situation.
Mental health professionals emphasize that such public expressions of suicidal ideation should always be taken seriously. When someone makes statements about ending their life, whether in person or on social media, it’s crucial to respond with compassion and connect them with appropriate resources,” notes Dr. Folake Adeyemi, a Lagos-based clinical psychologist who specializes in crisis intervention.
While Solomon’s response demonstrated appropriate concern, the comment section beneath her repost revealed a disturbing trend—numerous followers responded with mockery, dismissal, and even encouragement of self-harm, highlighting a troubling lack of empathy and awareness regarding mental health issues.
Comments ranged from callously dismissive to actively harmful, with users making statements like “He should end it, he don try o” and “Make he go make we know how many people remain.” One particularly shocking comment read: “God will punish him if he refuses to end it all,” representing an extreme example of the stigma still surrounding mental health crises in certain segments of society.
Such reactions point to a broader issue within Nigerian social media discourse around mental health, according to mental health advocate Adebola Williams. The responses we’re seeing reflect dangerous misconceptions about suicidal ideation—treating it as attention-seeking behavior, a joke, or something deserving of punishment rather than a serious health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
A few voices did attempt to introduce a more compassionate perspective amid the disturbing responses. One commenter identified as “Luxury Thrift Avenue” wrote: “The truth is we are all going through a difficult time right now. Who’s gonna console who is the kolo? May God see us through it all,” acknowledging the widespread economic and social challenges facing many Nigerians that may contribute to mental health struggles.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about mental health within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Several high-profile cases in recent years have highlighted the pressures faced by performers and creative professionals, including financial instability, public scrutiny, and the emotionally demanding nature of creative work.
Industry insiders note that despite the glamorous public perception, many in Nollywood—particularly those working in smaller production companies or independent projects—face significant professional challenges including irregular income, intense competition, and limited institutional support structures.
The entertainment industry can be particularly challenging for mental wellbeing,” explains entertainment journalist Funmi Adesanya. There’s constant pressure to maintain appearances and project success even during personal struggles. When combined with financial uncertainty and intense public scrutiny, this creates a perfect storm of stress factors that can overwhelm even resilient individuals.
As of publication time, there has been no update on Paul’s welfare or whether anyone has successfully established contact with him following Solomon’s public appeal. The situation has sparked conversations about the responsibility of social media platforms and users when confronted with potential crisis situations.
Mental health experts emphasize that proper response to suicidal expressions includes direct outreach, connecting the person with crisis resources, and avoiding public shaming or dismissal of their feelings. Nigeria’s limited mental health infrastructure compounds these challenges, with insufficient access to crisis intervention services in many areas.
Psychiatrist Dr. Emmanuel Oladipo notes that Nigeria faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million. This structural deficiency makes community awareness and appropriate first response even more critical when someone expresses suicidal thoughts,” he explains.
For entertainment professionals specifically, the Nigerian entertainment industry lacks formal support systems for mental health despite growing recognition of the problem. Some advocacy groups have begun developing peer support networks and education initiatives, but these efforts remain limited in scope and reach.
This incident highlights the urgent need for greater mental health literacy across Nigerian society, particularly regarding appropriate responses to suicidal ideation. Public health experts suggest that social media platforms could play a more active role in providing crisis resources when concerning keywords are detected.
While Solomon’s public alarm represents an appropriate first step in responding to a potential crisis, mental health professionals emphasize that comprehensive follow-up support is essential. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of both the prevalence of mental health struggles and the harmful impact of stigmatizing attitudes that discourage vulnerable individuals from seeking help.
As awareness of mental health issues continues to grow within Nigerian society, advocates hope that more compassionate and effective community responses will develop. For now, Paul’s troubling post and the mixed reactions it generated illustrate the significant work that remains to be done in fostering a supportive environment for those experiencing mental health crises.
